Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE by Ellen Butler
The Second Ariadne Winter Mystery 

 

After a week reporting on fashion in 1950s Paris Ariadne Winter is pleased to stop over in Ireland. Invited by her cousin, she's attending the house party at Julia's boyfriend's ancestral home. The annual party is about to become something more when Cormac O'Connell announces his engagement to Julia. While Julia's parents are happy, Lady Aisling, Cormac's mother, has a more stoic reaction. That first evening at Ballyford Manor proves interesting as Ariadne witnesses more than one argument and plenty of furtive behavior. The next morning a visit to the cliffs turns into a tragic discovery when Julia, Ariadne, and Shane, Corman's dissolute brother, find the body of Brian Byrne, the estate manager, crumpled dead below the castle. A tragic accident? Ariadne isn't so sure. Nor is the inspector. Ariadne will look, listen, and hunt for clues in order to uncover O'Connell secrets and find a murderer! 

 

Although set in 1958 DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE reads as almost a modern tale, just with a lot more smoking and no cell phones. I really enjoyed the story and the mystery. Ariadne is a wonderful protagonist, clever and just nosy enough to discover truths others would rather left hidden. I love that Gavin made an appearance, inadvertently bringing answers that ultimately led to the solution. The O'Connell family is a hot mess. From the drunken second son and moody teenaged daughter to the demanding mother, all have secrets. I even got unpleasant vibes from Cormac,

 

I appreciate how Ariadne didn't take anything at face value. How she investigated herself and with Julia or Gavin, but always kept the inspector involved, at least once she's had a good look at whatever clue she found or theory she had. While I generally dislike stories told from multiple points of view, it works here. Each chapter is labeled with the character combined with the fact that everything is told in third person, it works. We get detailed information we wouldn't know if solely told from Ariadne's point of view. 

 

DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE is a delightful mystery that uncovers long held secrets in 1958 Ireland.

 

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 Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery by Ellen Butler

About Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery
Historical Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Ireland, near the Cliffs of Moher
Publisher: ‎ Power to the Pen
Publication Date: ‎ October 1, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 312 pages

From Paris runways to country manors, danger is always in fashion.

When intrepid journalist Ariadne Winter leaves behind the glittering cafés and haute couture of 1958 Paris for the misty hills of rural Ireland, she expects champagne toasts and countryside charm at her cousin's engagement celebration. But amidst party prep excitement the festive mood at Ballyford Manor is shattered when a body is discovered among the ruins of the ancient castle grounds.

The local inspector suspects an accident—but Ariadne knows better.

Armed with her sharp wit and a reporter’s determination, Ariadne peels back the polished façade of the O’Connell family, uncovering simmering tensions and long-held grudges that refuse to stay buried. As she navigates a world of crumbling aristocracy, whispered scandals, and dark family legacies, Ariadne realizes someone will do anything to keep the past hidden — even if it means making her the next victim.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear, this stylish, atmospheric mystery captures the glamour and shadows of 1950s Ireland, blending intrigue, secrets, and a sleuth you won’t forget.

About Ellen Butler

Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. Publishers Weekly called the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism.” Butler also writes the Ariadne Winter historical mysteries as well as historical spy fiction. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction including: a Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, Indie Reader Discovery Award, and a Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal. The second book in the duology, Operation Blackbird: A Cold War Spy Novel, is inspired by true events, and won a Next Generation Indie Book Award gold medal for historical fiction.

Author Links:

Website ~ www.EllenButler.net  

Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/EllenButlerBooks  

Instagram~ https://www.instagram.com/ebutlerbooks/  

Bookbub~ https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ellen-butler  

Goodreads ~ www.goodreads.com/EllenButlerBooks  

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Kobo Apple

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Giveaway

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